Step 7: Finishing the Axle

Step 8: Watching it Spin!

Place the trunk and blades on top of the skewer axle. Try to get the skewer’s tip in the bottle cap’s dent. Then arrange the candles around the base...

A Christmas Pyramid is a rotating pyramid-shaped structure that is usually powered by the heat of candles around the pyramid’s base. (Take a look at the link above to see some pictures.) The heat from the candles causes blades at the top of the pyramid to rotate, which causes platforms of figurines to rotate around the pyramid. Christmas pyramids are usually made of wood (and are rather expensive). However, I wanted to make one using paper. Why paper? Because then other people could easily print and cut out a design and make their very own! After lots of troubleshooting, I was able to make a paper version, which I show how to make here – I’m calling it a candle-powered paper carousel because that’s basically what it is (although it's really being powered by the heat of the candles).

If you’d like to make your own candle-powered paper carousel, then this Instructables project is for you! Mine has a Minecraft theme (because it’s a great game that I enjoy playing) but I’ve included blank templates so you could make any themed paper carousel you want!

Warning: Paper is flammable. Keep paper parts a safe distance away from candles when lit (I positioned my blades about 12 cm above the flames and this seemed fine). This project should only be operated with adult supervision. Never leave the candles burning when you are not watching them. Light the candles on a surface that is not flammable, and keep them away from flammable objects. Also be careful about putting your hands above the candles when lit because the air will be very hot.

Yeah, I suppose so. I'd originally called it a "heat-powered paper carousel" because I was worried people wouldn't want to see "candle" and "paper" next to each other, but including the word "candle" in the title is more descriptive. Thanks for checking it out!